Keystone, Hill City and Much More
Our adventures officially began at 7:30 a.m. with the $0.99 all you can eat pancake breakfast at Fort Hays Chuckwagon in Colonial Pine Hills. We began and ended the day at the same location. Read on to see all the adventures in between.
All You Can Eat Pancakes
Fort Hays Chuckwagon Breakfast was the cheapest, most filling meal we had all week. It was not crowded and the people were very friendly. I think it may be a family run business. Even though it was all you could eat, the 2 pancakes and sausage on my plate were MORE than enough to fill me up.
Fort Hays
Fort Hays is set up like an Old West town. It is home of one of the Dances with Wolves film set, and has historically accurate shops where you can learn about a variety of historical processes. You can try your hand at spinning a tin plate, making a rope, or see how hot iron is forged! There was nothing open and running at 7:30 a.m., so I just walked around taking pictures while Travis purchased tickets for the dinner show later in the day.
Dances With Wolves
Travis bought the tickets in the building from the movie Dances With Wolves that was moved to this location. This is the office that Kevin Costner received his orders to go west to Fort Sedgewick.
Just a Quick Look Around
1880 Steam Train In Hill City
We traveled next to Hill City to catch the 9:00 train to Keystone. The Black Hills Central Railroad is a heritage railroad that operates in Keystone and Hill City, South Dakota. The railroad was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 5, 2003. We took a few minutes to walk around the gift shop before boarding the train and finding our seats.
Fun Along the Way
Travis just had to buy a snack. We hung our heads out the window watching as we traveled around the curves listening to the steam engine chug along.
Flip a Seat in Keystone and Head Back
We had to get off the train as they added more water. We literally just flipped the back of the seat and we were facing the other direction. Becky and Kenny were in front going back.
The Other Side
On the way back we could see the other side of the train. It was a relaxing hour to take in the scenery.
Exit Train and Quick Loop Through Hill City
We made a quick loop through town to take pictures but decided to drive the 10 minutes back to Keystone to eat lunch. The chainsaw carvings were incredible.
Keystone
When we arrived back in Keystone we wandered through viewing the chainsaw art of brothers Jarrett and Jordan Dahl. https://www.dahlschainsawart.com/ Check out their interesting story.
We are Such TOURISTS!!!
I look like I was attacking poor Abe. His eyes even look like he was looking at me asking “What are you doing?” If you look at his legs and how polished they seem, you would realize that he was very slick and I was about to fall off when Becky took the picture.
Becky had been coveting these throws every time she saw them. This was her first chance to actually touch one. She was super impressed with how soft it was as you can tell by her facial expression. BUT…..look a the guy’s expression listening to her from behind.
I love to read t-shirts. I just hate wearing them so I take pictures instead.
Cruizzers for Lunch
Travis and I ate a Road Hog (meat lovers) Pizza from Cruizzers. Kenny and Becky ate at the Sirloin Steak Tips food truck down the road. We were eating by 1:00 and finished by 1:15. Can you say starving!!! I think I inhaled mine.
Rocks
We collect souvenir rocks all the time from places we travel. I love walking out of my door and seeing my flower bed lined with memories. I have never seen them for sale anywhere though. Nor have I ever paid for any.
Been There Starbucks Mugs
I started collecting Starbucks mugs when we lived In Malaysia. I have them from several different countries. Since moving back to the U.S., I have continued with state mugs. I don’t drink coffee so instead of spending my money on an actual fru-fru coffee, I just get the mug to drink hot tea. And yes, I usually have tea bags with me when I travel. There was a lot of local art close by this particular Starbucks.
Dinner Show
We arrived back at Fort Hays at 5:00. This gave us plenty of time to wander around and look through the buildings. The temperature had dropped to the upper 60’s so it was cool as we strolled around.
Interesting Shops
Even though the shops were open when we arrived back at 5:00, there were not people in all of them explaining what we were looking at. So I just took pictures and drove Travis nuts with all my questions.
Props?
A Look From the Front
Dinner is Served
6:30 PM – Supper Bell rings loud calling all cowboys and cowgirls to bring their appetites for: Sliced Beef simmered in mild BBQ sauce or Baked Chicken • Chuckwagon Potatoes • Western Baked Beans • Ranch Biscuits & Honey • Chunky Applesauce • Old-fashioned Spice Cake • Cowboy Coffee or Tenderfoot Lemonade
The Show
The show started at 7:00. It was very entertaining and great music. So much talent was heard on guitar, violins and drums. We were finished and out by 8:15 headed back to our hotel.
What a day we had. The laughs and memories made and shared were priceless. Everyday of this trip had its own special fun. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow holds.
